Excerpts from previous writings by Sifu Jeff Brinker
The term Curriculum refers to the overall course of study that is geared towards reaching an objective. It is the philosophical ideal of the product our school is striving to produce. When a student masters their curricular requirements they will be ready to begin the black belt phase of their training. The term Syllabus refers to the tools and requirements of a particular course or class. The syllabus for each level contains specific techniques and requirements that the instructors and students can use to achieve the ideals of the curriculum. Mastery of the curriculum is the student’s ultimate goal and the syllabus is a tool that can be used to achieve that goal. Class time and practice sessions should address the curriculum requirements of the school through mastering the techniques of the syllabus, but not exclusively, as a means to further progress toward achieving the curriculum ideal.
Syllabus
Silent River Kung Fu’s syllabus is structured such that the student will gradually master the curriculum ideals by mindfully applying themselves to the syllabus specifics. The student will earn their coloured stripe when they have mastered the curriculum ideal to their specific level. Once a student has earned all seven coloured stripes at their current rank, they should be ready to test for promotion to their next level.
Yellow Stripe - Vocabulary of Motion
When it comes to movement, the journey is more important than the destination. The art is found in how we move not what we have moved nor where we have moved it.
Specifics- Sparring, Drills, Combinations
White Stripe - 6 Harmonies
Every movement of a kung fu stylist should reflect the 6 harmonies. Externally, your hands should be harmonized with your feet, your elbows with your knees, and your shoulders with your hips. Internally, your sprit should be harmonized with your intent, your intent with your chi, and your chi with your strength.
Specifics- Forms (Lao Gar, Da Mu Hsing)
Red Stripe - Keystone Principles
Every style of kung fu is built upon a foundation of values that are the keystone principles upon which the style is based. These fundamentals are the most important skills required for mastery of the style. The expectation is that the student's mastery of the style's keystone principles will improve as they progress through the ranks.
Specifics- Foundation Skills (blocks, punches, kicks, stances)
Green Stripe - Lifestyle and Leadership
“Out of the Kwoon, and Into the World.” Kung fu is a discipline that transcends the training hall. A student’s life is their personal kwoon, therefore the concepts a student learns through their kung fu should be applied to all aspects of their life. Mindful living and basic awareness are important concepts that every student must master to realize the true benefits of the lifestyle. A student’s lifestyle should support their kung fu and conversely, their kung fu should support their lifestyle. Leaders are made, they are not born. Our Intelligent Curriculum teaches a student to humbly take their kung fu out of the kwoon and into the world through project based leadership training, experiential learning, and practicing empathy. Strong leadership skills empowers one to carve out the life they wish to live.
Specifics- Intelligent Curriculum Projects (school lead or individual)
Orange Stripe - Dynamic Control
The ability to execute a physical technique with control is what defines kung fu as an art. Execution without control devolves a refined and efficient movement into something coarse and disconnected. The skills one acquires through training are not effectively applicable without the internal and external controls required to use them. Weapons provide an extra dimension to training. Used properly they become natural extensions of the human body, magnifying force vectors and highlighting clarity of motion.
Specifics- Traditional Weapons
Blue Stripe - Traditional Tenets
Kung fu has survived for over two thousand years because it has sustained its relevance across cultural and societal boundaries and eras. The core values of the art are found in the traditional tenets that are at the foundation of the art. Lion Dance and Dragon Dance instil appreciation and respect for the traditional culture of kung fu and reinforce the philosophy and ideals that are the quintessence of the art.
Specifics- Lion Dance, Dragon Dance & Theory
Black Stripe - Wuxin - No Mind
Only through constant repetition will techniques flow naturally and effectively from the wuxin (no mind) state. By achieving wuxin, the student is able to transform their theoretical knowledge into applicable skill.
Specifics- Knowledge Applicability & Adaptability (applications and groundwork)